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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not let up just because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.